Get to Know Arizona United

For the first time ever, FC Dallas is going to have a formal affiliate relationship with another professional team. In 2015, that will be with Arizona United of the United Soccer League. This is the beginning of a series running this week to introduce our readers to the club leading into their season opener this Saturday.

Today is the overview of the club. Tomorrow we will have a snapshot of the potential players that could head out west to play for former FC Dallas player and current Arizona United head coach, Michael Dellorusso. After that we will have an interview with the FC Dallas staff about their expectations for the relationship, and finally, the first match preview leading into Saturday’s game, to be followed up with a match report and then, once FC Dallas players are there, a mid-week Farm Report looking at how those FCD players did for Arizona.

Get To Know Arizona United SC

By Fletcher Whiteley

Established: 2014

Top Players: F Johnathan Top and F Long Tan

2014 Record: 10-13-5, ninth overall. Made fourth round of U.S. Open Cup before losing to Los Angeles Galaxy.

Player Honors: Long Tan, all-league second team.

Record in Friendlies: Arizona United went 3-1-0 in their friendlies all against college teams.

History. Arizona United SC was established on March 13, 2014 one day after Phoenix FC folded due to financial trouble. Amazingly, they hired a front office, put a roster together, got a stadium, made a good run in the U.S. Open Cup, and nearly made the playoffs. They did this all in a period of 178 days. Given the circumstances and the team was not finalized until ten days before their first game started which was three weeks into the season, that’s really good. They played 30 games in 128 days. Given the roster size that’s extremely grueling.

Outlook for 2015. The future has to be bright for the young club as they actually have a full season to prepare for the 2015 season. Their first game is Saturday against the Orange County Blues who have no affiliation to an MLS team. After their first game, they will likely get some help from FC Dallas as players from the pro roster and possibly some academy players will be sent to get some game time.